There is a population explosion of older people, many of whom are eager to study the piano. Therefore greater attention than ever before is currently focused on instructional techniques and materials for the person who begins piano study later. Claims are made that within the past few years more adults have begun piano instruction than children. A relatively large number of books have appeared since 1960 whose titles indicate that they are written for the adult beginner. Articles in professional magazines offer advice on what must be borne in mind when merits of offering instruction for the adult beginner. Since the title “adult beginner” is elusive, the authors of “The Well-Tempered Keyboard Teacher” classified six categories of adult students:

5. Mature Adult: Adults who play for pleasure; 25 yrs. of age and older

6. Senior citizens: Sometimes considered a special adult category

Furthermore the authors group those six categories into two concerning on their motivation, cognitive skills, physical capabilities, and attitudes: “young adult” and “mature adult.” In this topic, I will briefly discuss about the “mature adult” category as teaching adult beginners presents unique challenges.